Nokia Strengthens Vodafone Collaboration with Next-Generation RAN Technologies

Nokia  announced that it has maintained its role as Vodafone ’s strategic partner in Europe and Africa as part of Vodafone’s five-year radio access network (RAN) investment programme. The deal follows Nokia’s recent RAN agreement with VodafoneThree, part of the largest privately funded telecommunications infrastructure project in Europe. The move supports Vodafone’s ambitions to deliver next-generation connectivity across Europe and Africa, enabling an inclusive and sustainable digital society.

Under the extended deal, Nokia will supply equipment from its industry-leading, energy-efficient AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio, including Massive MIMO radios, baseband, and remote radio head (RRH) solutions powered by Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, boosting the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the network. This includes the first deployment of a 5G Dual-Band Massive MIMO Radio in Africa. These solutions will enhance the coverage, performance, and capacity of Vodafone’s network, delivering a superior customer experience in combination with reduced space and energy requirements.

Nokia will also deploy MantaRay NM, an AI-powered intelligent network management system offering a consolidated network view for optimal monitoring and management. Nokia continues to partner with Vodacom Group and Safaricom Group in markets including Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa.

“Today’s networks need new levels of performance, trust and resilience. We are delighted to extend our partnership with Vodafone, Vodacom, and its affiliates to build future-proof 5G standalone networks across Europe and Africa. This agreement underscores the strength of our industry-leading connectivity solutions, which help our customers respond to the future demands as the AI supercycle accelerates.”

– Mark Atkinson, Head of RAN, Nokia